topic Re: How can one identify the max length of a format in SAS Programming

How can one identify the max length of a format

art297 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:10:54 GMT

I have a situation where I have to know the maximum length for a formatted variable. I know that I can use proc format to get the value if I know which catalog the format is coming from, but how can I get the value if I'm only passed the format name, but have no idea where it is coming from?

I need to do it programmatically, as it is part of a macro being used to export data.

Re: How can one identify the max length of a format

Scott_Mitchell — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:31:18 GMT

Could you not query the SASHELP.VFORMAT?

DATA TEST;

SET SASHELP.VFORMAT;

RUN;

Re: How can one identify the max length of a format

ballardw — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:48:01 GMT

Search the dictionary.options or sashelp.voptions for the fmtsearch setting value OPTNAME=FMTSEARCH and SETTING so you can search through dictionary.format or sashelp.vformat in the correct order to find the first occurrence of the format with the desired name and associated MAXW.

If you don't have as many format catalogs as I do, then this might be relatively easy.

Re: How can one identify the max length of a format

art297 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:00:31 GMT

You are both correct of course. It's been a loooooooooooong day! Much appreciated!

Re: How can one identify the max length of a format

Orsini — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:17:15 GMT

Will VFORMATW do what you are looking for?

Re: How can one identify the max length of a format

art297 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:44:21 GMT

vformatwx might do what I need